Pros
The clearance sales combined with staff discount are a bargain hunters dream. I also enjoy the company of many of my colleagues and some customers are lovely.
Cons
Total lack of respect for employees and their opinions-if you don't like, or have an opinion on any of the many new initiatives that you are expected to perform (basically, behave as though you are in a professional role despite working short hour contracts for minimum wage) then we are told "you know where the door is", "get another f*cking job" or "if you don't like it, then leave". These comments are disrespectful, humiliating and entirely unprofessional, particularly in the current economic climate. Managers are also "cliquey", the favourites are allowed to get away with misdeameanours that those not in the "in gang" aren't. Additionally, whilst preaching about professional behaviour from employees, the managers behave in a less than professional manner when sniping about other staff and management behind their back. Besides management, new contracts stay small (5 hours) but ask you to work more making your holiday days not worth taking. This overtime is only when it suits the business, not necessarily when you need the overtime. Larger contracts (15-20) are spread over 5/6 days so you are not able to work them over a few days freeing up some personal time. Full-time contracts are for management only-no full time customer advisors/stockroomers. There are also far too many team leaders and management. "Co-ordinators" is a role that has been created for people who want to progress but are given team leader duties for no extra pay, yet another unecessary level of management.